In conjunction with the symposium, the UT-Dallas' McDermott Library received copies of approximately 10,000 recently declassified CIA documents on Air America. These copies will remain at the Library, and will be completely accessible.
The symposium included a number of speakers and panelists including former pilots, UT officials, CIA members, a member of Congress, and rescued pilots. One of the more hair-raising rescues accomplished was that of former US Navy aviator Don Boecker. While on a bombing mission, one of the bombs intended to be dropped exploded prematurely, forcing him to eject. After a tense 18-hours evading capture, Boecker was rescued by an Air America helicopter, and was whisked away while dangling by one arm, while on the ground, enemy soldiers laid heavy fire in his direction.
In addition to the Vietnam War, AAM’s predecessor, Civil Air Transport (CAT), flew thousands of regular cargo and passenger flights, including flights during the battle of Dien Bien Phu, the final major battle of the French occupation of Vietnam, as well as humanitarian missions and the above-mentioned evacuation of over 40,000 from the US Embassy in Saigon in 1975.
All attendees were presented with a program, a 64-page commemorative booklet with copies of documents and photos from the era, and a DVD containing electronic copies of the entire collection of newly declassified and heretofore unavailable documents. The DVD also contains video interviews of Air America pilots, rare footage of Lima Site 85, and photos from the CIA and McDermott Library collections.
Article comments
1 - Clavos
Interesting and very well written article, Lou. As a grunt in Vietnam in the sixties, I was, of course, aware of Air America's presence there, but only superficially.
Is the DVD you mentioned available for purchase by the public?
2 - Dave Nalle
Interesting that it was held in Dallas, where Air America has historic ties after the role it played in some operations in Central America. Probably still a lot of supporters there.
Dave